All posts
Every post from 18 Oct 2024 to 12 Oct 2026. Search by any word, fund, card or tax rule.
October 202610
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Don't make your Emergency Fund chase returns
An interesting trend I have noticed recently! More people are stopping/reducing their SIPs and diverting that money towards building a bigger EmergencyFund (EF). Given the current…
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A coconut grove, a builder's sign, and no outrage
For over a decade, I've been seeing a huge stretch of land filled with hundreds of Coconut trees. Today, I noticed a prominent builder's signage announcing a new project there. Another…
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When markets rise, they sell optimism. When they fall, they sell fear
A few years ago, when markets hit new highs almost every other month, I remember an Influencer proudly claiming he kept investing his clients' money even as markets touched new peaks.…
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Can Bengaluru real estate crash because of the job market?
Can Bengaluru's RealEstate market crash because of the current Job scenario? I've been hearing this question more frequently lately. On paper, Bengaluru Real Estate still looks strong.
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SIP loans: keep your investments, pay the interest
SIPLoans! This was a new term I was introduced to last week. While discussing PersonalFinance with a friend, he mentioned that he had taken an “SIP Loan.”
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What a sane FIRE portfolio actually looks like
What should a sane FIRE portfolio actually look like? If you listen to the internet, the answer can be insane: Go 90% or 100% into equity!
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Who am I, really? Three questions I ask every money headline
Over the last few years, I've noticed something interesting. I receive a lot of messages about MoneyMinusNoise and what I write on this platform through quiet, private DMs. Maybe people are…
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Buying gold for ₹100 on an app? Read the fine print
Open any payment app. You can buy Gold for just ₹100! Convenient? Absolutely. But here's what that ₹100 screen doesn't tell you!
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Use the market fall to move from Regular to Direct plans
The market correction may have created an opportunity for some MutualFund investors. Not to buy more, but to clean up what they already own! Over the years, many investors have accumulated…
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Stopped your SIPs because of the noise?
Recently, I met a young professional during my carpool working at an Algo trading firm. Our conversation moved towards investments. Since his employer restricts direct equity investing, he…
September 202624
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Handling a layoff: there is a way forward
Handling a Layoff is tough! It can take away financial security, a sense of identity, and even peace of mind. But in that moment, what's most important is to help the person realise:
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Last week, more women asked me about money than men
Last week was different! Mostly, 'men' reach out to me for advice on personal finance. But last week, for the first time, I had more 'women' reaching out for advice!
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He got a salary hike. My advice wasn't to invest it
He got a salary hike. My advice wasn't to invest it. Recently, a friend reached out for some advice. He had received a salary hike and was wondering:
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“Patiently”: why I don't jump straight to recommendations
The one word that stood out to me in this testimonial is: “Patiently.” Most people, while having a conversation, are quick to jump to a solution. But before recommending anything, shouldn't…
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25+ credit cards and a CIBIL score above 800
Recently, in my Carpool, the conversation drifted to one of my favourite topics: CreditCards. While I was suggesting a card to one of the carpoolers, another person sitting behind asked:…
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UPI at petrol pumps: ₹5 flat, not 0.4%
Whether a UPI transaction at a PetrolPump is of ₹2,000 or ₹20,000, the MDR remains flat ₹5, not 0.4% as advertised by SocialMedia influencers. So what are the potential transactions…
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A finfluencer who mixed up PhonePe's revenue and profit
Sadly that's how Finfluencers make a fool of 'educated' folks on LinkedIn! In Fy 2020, the net loss of PhonePe was Rs 1770 cr, on revenue of Rs 427 cr! In Fy 2026, the net loss is Rs 2792…
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The UPI notice outside the tea shop
“UPI payments will be charged extra due to MDR charges.” I saw a similar notice outside the tea shop near my office. I asked the owner:
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No, UPI MDR won't break the mutual fund industry
“The UPI charge that will break the MutualFund industry!” That's the headline an RIA recently used. And honestly, on the face of it, the concern sounds valid.
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The “best” syndrome: best for what?
The “Best” Syndrome!!! We are always looking for 'the Best'. The Best CreditCard.
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“18% guaranteed returns” at Global Fintech Fest
A friend asked me: “What was the most absurd thing you noticed at GFF2026?” For me, one immediately stood out. An InvoiceDiscounting startup was promising “up to 18% guaranteed returns.”
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LinkedIn needs a mute button for UPI hashtags
LinkedIn desperately need a feature to block all Posts containing a particular Hashtag! Tired of all the misinformation spread by the influencers on UPI! Need to remove all UPI posts from…
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Ashneer Grover, BharatPe and the UPI MDR noise
UPI got an MDR. AshneerGrover got a field day. Wondered if he would have said the same thing if he were still at BharatPe! But here's the thing:
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IDFC FIRST's zero forex markup changes the card game
IDFC FIRST Bank is changing the rules in the CreditCard industry by offering Zero Forex Markup across its credit card portfolio (including lifetime free cards)! And this could have an…
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After two days at Global Fintech Fest, the Statue of Unity
After 2 hectic days at Global Fintech Fest, I decided to unwind and headed towards the Statue of Unity Official. And honestly, I was blown away. Yes, the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel…
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Flipkart sent a fake product and made sure I couldn't return it
What happens when Flipkart delivers a product that doesn't even have a brand tag and then makes sure you can't return it? After receiving a fake product without a brand tag, I raised a…
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What an auto driver taught me about digital payments
A conversation with an Auto driver gave me more insight into DigitalPayments than any conference session. After the ride, he asked me to pay in Cash. I was surprised.
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₹2.5 lakh a month, and 80% goes to EMIs
He earns ₹2.5+ lakh a month. Has been with the same company for 10+ years. Lives a modest lifestyle.
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“Bro, how can you be so blunt on LinkedIn?”
“Bro, how can you be so blunt on LinkedIn?” That was one of the first questions an old colleague asked me when we met last weekend after years. Followed by a volley of more Qs!
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₹9 crore at 32? SIPs helped. So did loans and family
Would you have clicked this article if the headline was: "₹9 crore net worth at 32? SIPs helped. So did Loans, Family support & a major Assumption" Probably not.
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Heading to Global Fintech Fest 2026
Looking forward to attending Global Fintech Fest 2026 next week at Jio World Centre, Mumbai. India’s fintech ecosystem has come a long way, from UPI and digital payments to embedded…
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How to fix debt and free up monthly cash flow
“How can I fix my debt and increase my monthly cash flow?” This was the question someone asked on Reddit. Surprisingly, a lot of the commentary on SocialMedia is focused on blaming him, his…
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Why you can't invest 90% of your salary, and that's fine
“I can't even invest 25% of my salary. And she is investing 90%!” A friend sent me this message after reading about Radhika Gupta investing 90% of her post-tax income. I had to explain:
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Popcorn, cinemas and a business case from 2008
In 2008, I was doing my MBA, and my partner Priyank and I had a 'keeda' for participating in business competitions. One of them was ET Citi Grandmasters. The case?
August 202621
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“I am different. I will make money in F&O.”
“I am different. I will make money in F&O.” I keep hearing some version of this surprisingly often! “I understand charts.”
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“But my MFD provides a lot of service”
“But my MFD provides a lot of service.” That was the argument a friend made when we were discussing my recent post on Direct vs Regular MutualFunds. He and his wife continue with Regular…
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Where did all the Rakhi shops go? Quick commerce
“There aren't many Rakhis in the market this year.” My wife mentioned this a few days ago. Fewer designs! Fewer shops stocking them!
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How to become layoff-ready
“How do I become layoff-ready?” That was the question I got last week from a seasoned professional working in an MNC. His company is going through restructuring.
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Is this tax tweet true? Option A
A friend WhatsApped me this tweet today and asked: “Is this true?” It reminded me of the questions we used to get in school: A. Only Sentence A is correct
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What FIRE corpus should you actually target?
“You spoke about FIRE in one of your earlier posts, but what corpus should someone actually target?” One of my regular carpoolers asked me this yesterday. Had to tell her there is no…
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₹27,335 crore paid in MF distributor commissions
₹27,335 crore. That's the amount paid as MutualFund Distributor (MFD) commissions in FY25. And here's the interesting part: A large part of this cost could be avoided by investing in…
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Does every generation need to buy a house?
Does every generation really need to buy a house? A carpooler recently asked me this. For generations, owning a home has been one of the biggest financial goals.
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Is Parag Parikh Flexi Cap suddenly a bad fund?
Suddenly, everyone has an opinion on why ParagParikhFlexiCap Fund is a bad MutualFund to Invest in! Let's try to remove the 'noise' before making a decision. 1️⃣ Equity doesn't owe…
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An Independence Day promise: personal finance without the noise
This Independence Day, I want to make a promise to everyone who reads my 'irritating' posts! I will continue talking about PersonalFinance without the Noise. - No unnecessary panic.
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UPI MDR: we're debating the wrong problem
Everyone is debating whether UPI should have MDR. I think we're debating the wrong problem. The real question is:
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“Life is lonely at the top”
"Life is lonely at the top." A friend told me this last week. He had recently exited the company he built, made good money, and is now busy building his next venture.
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“Money doesn't buy happiness”, said the billionaire
Every few months, a successful entrepreneur or billionaire reminds us: "Money doesn't buy happiness." "Don't chase wealth."
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Since when did spending become a flex?
Since when did spending become a flex? That's the new trend on SocialMedia. Every week, someone posts their monthly expenses.
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Who invests ₹10 crore in a 19% “risky” bond?
"Who in his right mind would invest ₹10 crore in such a 'Risky' Bond?" A friend asked me this after reading about Shapoorji Pallonji's Zero Coupon NCDs offering an indicative yield of…
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UPI charges are back, and so are the finfluencers
UPI charges are back in the headlines. And once again...Finfluencers are having a party. "UPI won't be free anymore."
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A prominent finfluencer blocked me
I just realized a prominent finfluencer has blocked me. 🙂 AkshatSrivastava. I'm not offended.
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Why delivery partners need to worry about TDS and ITR
Most Delivery partners earn below the taxable limit... ...yet they still need to worry about TDS and filing an ITR. That surprised me. So I dug deeper.
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“Which is the best term plan?” You may not need one
A colleague who knows my interest in PersonalFinance asked me over lunch: "Which is the best TermInsurance plan?" My answer caught him off guard.
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What's your average monthly expense? Most people guess
"What's your average monthly expense?" Whenever I ask this question, most people pause. Then comes an answer like: "Maybe ₹80,000... give or take ₹20,000."!
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Is EPF an emergency fund? Absolutely not
"Can EPF be considered an EmergencyFund?" An acquaintance asked me this recently. My answer was simple:
July 202626
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₹26,000 crore in minimum balance penalties, and how to avoid them
"Banks earned over ₹26,000 crore from minimum balance penalties in 4 years." Common narrative to attract 'Eyeballs'? Banks are looting the CommonMan!
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₹1 crore package, three houses, and no ₹15,000 for tax?
Maybe I'm missing something. But I find this story difficult to digest! According to the post: - ₹1 Cr+ package for 5 years
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2026, the year of credit card devaluations: Axis Magnus
As predicted, 2026 is turning out to be the Year of CreditCard Devaluations! The latest card to join the list is AxisBank Magnus for Burgundy. Some of the changes include:
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“No honest taxpayer should be harassed.” Start with the ITR forms
"No honest taxpayer should be harassed." Sounds great. Can we start by simplifying ITR forms! I spent a good part of my Sunday filing ITRs for myself and my wife.
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Left a ₹25 LPA job for a Master's abroad. Now what?
A software engineer earning ~₹25 LPA in 2023 left his job, pursued a Master's abroad, couldn't find a job there, returned to India, and is now struggling to get offers beyond his previous…
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An 800+ CIBIL score doesn't guarantee a loan
One of the biggest myths in PersonalFinance is: "I have an 800+ CIBIL score, so my Loan will definitely get approved." If only banking were that simple.
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We are all part of the CJP: Corruption Janta Party
We all are part of CJP!!! Corruption Janta Party. We park on the road to save ₹20 in parking fees.
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The noise around US investing has gone quiet
Have you noticed? The noise around US investing has suddenly gone quiet! A few months ago, it felt like every finfluencer had become an expert on the S&P 500.
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Why financial literacy matters: the tax rules people miss
This is why FinancialLiteracy is important! Every year, millions of Indians discover tax rules they never knew existed. And unfortunately, the Income Tax Department accepts ignorance as an…
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Will tax filing ever get simpler?
Every tax filing season, I ask myself: Will the process be simpler this time? Sadly, the answer remains the same every year!
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A message from a young professional with a side gig
I received this message recently from a young professional in his mid-20s. He had recently graduated from one of the top B-Schools in the country. But what caught my attention wasn't the…
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Laid off after two decades: “What will people say?”
Last week, an acquaintance reached out. After spending more than two decades in the same company, he is now on the verge of being LaidOff. I expected him to ask: How long will my Savings…
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Freebies vs education: what the textbooks say
I saw this image on SocialMedia, and my first reaction was: "₹8.96 lakh crore on freebies, and less on Education? No wonder everyone keeps saying we've got our priorities wrong!" Then my…
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The biggest EV salesman in India is the algorithm
The biggest EV salesman in India today isn't Tata, MG, or Tesla. It's the SocialMedia algorithm. I said this to a friend, and he felt a bit lost!
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Did they need it, or did they buy the hype?
Did they need them, or did they buy into the hype? That's how modern consumerism works. We don't just buy products anymore.
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Your EPF interest hasn't been credited. Should you worry?
"Bro, my colleague's EPF interest got credited. Mine hasn't. Should I be worried?" A friend called me in a panic. I asked him to calm down and not to worry.
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The one money advice I give people in their 20s
"What's the one financial piece of advice you give someone in their 20s?" Recently, one of my carpool partners asked me this, knowing my interest in PersonalFinance. She expected the usual…
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“Invest in your wife's name, no tax!” Not quite
"Invest in your wife's name. You won't have to pay any tax!" Recently, while reviewing the finances of an acquaintance, I noticed something interesting. Almost every investment - FDs,…
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“How are you so active on LinkedIn?”
"How are you so active on LinkedIn?" Recently, a friend asked me this. "How do you still find time to write so much?"
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How Flipkart delivery agents game a lazy OTP design
How Flipkart Delivery Agents are scamming Flipkart thanks to Lazy Product Design! Recently, a Flipkart delivery executive came to deliver an order. No one was home.
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A little friction can save a lot of money
We all want frictionless payments. But sometimes, a little friction can save us a lot of money. Recently, a friend wanted to check his final restaurant bill after applying offers on the…
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“When are the next elections?” Ask your fuel bill
Recently, a friend asked me: "When are the next elections?" I said, "No idea. Why?" He replied,
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Who pays for those fancy airports? You do
We all love the fancy airports, but have you ever wondered who funds them? The next time you book a flight, look at the fare breakup. You'll notice something called User Development Fee…
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What motivates me: a difference in someone's life
What motivates me the most is making a meaningful difference in someone's life. Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of helping many individuals move closer to financial…
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You can't become rich using a credit card
Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation for a CreditCard, I always start with a caveat: "You cannot become Rich using a Credit Card." Many people don't like hearing this.
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“We pay 30–40% tax, give us free education and healthcare”
"Bro, we pay 30-40% taxes. The government should at least provide free education and healthcare." "Bro, you are expecting too much.
June 202625
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Breaking hearts: what premium card returns really take
Let me break the hearts of the people getting excited seeing the Return numbers - First Hurdle - Getting a Premium Card - HDFC Infinia: you need an ITR of over 50 lakhs, and to maintain the…
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A ₹90 lakh BMW at 27. Is that success?
Can someone be considered successful based only on the car they own? Recently, a 27-year-old Influencer bought a ₹90 lakh BMW. The internet immediately started debating:
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Welcome to the world of HENRY
Welcome to the world of HENRY! Henry believes in: Work hard. Party harder! He has the latest gadgets! The premium car!
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A “common man” can bring a road to a standstill
A "CommonMan" can bring an entire road to a standstill. Yesterday, it took me more than 45 minutes to cover a distance of 1.5 km. The reason?
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Why no outrage for the Lucknow coaching centre fire?
Why did we not see the same outrage for the Lucknow coaching center fire? A few days ago, when a similar tragedy happened in a Delhi hotel, SocialMedia was flooded with anger, discussions,…
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Why a small scratch on a car creates a big fight
Why does a small scratch on a car sometimes create a big fight? Recently, someone reached out asking for my views on buying a car. My advice was simple:
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Saving money on medicines online, and why people don't bother
Recently, a friend asked me how he can Save Money while buying medicines online. I started explaining a few simple ways. Halfway through, he stopped me.
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A new fundamental right: the footpath. Now find one
We have a new FundamentalRight. The right to walk on a footpath! The SupremeCourt has recognised that pedestrians also have rights.
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EPF withdrawals via ATMs and UPI: convenient, and risky
EPFO subscribers, easier withdrawals through ATMs, UPI is going to become a reality by this month's end! For years, withdrawing EPF money has been a painful process. That may change with…
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HDFC Diners Black and the IIT alumni perk
Yesterday, my carpool partner was an alum from IITKanpur. How did I find out? Through her HDFC DinersBlack Card (aka DCB). 😄
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More connections than ever, more alone than ever
We have more connections than ever. Yet more people feel alone than ever. India is often described through its families, communities, festivals, and social bonds.
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Ghar ki murgi daal barabar: tax breaks for foreign investors
"Ghar ki Murgi Daal Barabar." A saying that perfectly captures how we sometimes value things coming from outside more than what is already available at home. Our FinanceMinister has already…
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Salaried? Advance tax may still apply to you
"AdvanceTax first installment payment deadline is 15th June." A friend received this email from the IT department and asked me: "I am a salaried employee. Why should I worry about advance…
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Why ChatGPT picks 73 as a random number
I was surprised when I checked the article, went ahead and asked ChatGPT to select a random number, and yes, the answer was 73! So why does this happen? - 73 looks random to Humans, there…
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Rent on credit cards: from hot category to dead end
Paying Rent via CreditCards was once one of the hottest categories in the fintech world. Then people optimized it a little too well, or I should say misused it 😉 What started as convenience…
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“I love my work. Why worry about FIRE?”
"I love the work I do. Why should I even worry about FIRE?" An ex-colleague recently made this statement. He added:
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Pre-approved loans: I checked all the terms at the airport
Sitting at the Airport waiting for my flight, I got yet another call from a bank offering an instant pre-approved loan. Since I started from my home well ahead of time to beat the Bengaluru…
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PayZapp's biometric UPI: seamless, with a catch
PayZapp recently introduced biometric authentication for UPI payments below ₹5,000. What it does is make our daily payments more seamless! With biometric authentication:
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Why bonus money is easier to spend: mental accounting
Ever noticed how spending ₹10,000 from a Bonus feels easier than spending ₹10,000 from your monthly salary? Even though both have the same value. This behavior has a name: MentalAccounting.
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A new testimonial from Rohith
Hey folks! I'm thrilled to receive a new testimonial from Rohith. These kind words mean the world to me, knowing that I've made a difference in someone's life. It makes all the hard work…
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Delhi, Goa, Mumbai: the same fire, again
"What happened in Delhi was tragic. So many innocent lives were lost." "Sadly, this keeps happening every few years. The government rarely takes any meaningful action." "Are you talking…
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Polymer notes: no, it's not demonetisation
In the last week, I have heard almost everything, from fears around demonetization to how the government is helping a particular business house! All because of an official statement from…
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RBI sold gold. Is the economy in trouble?
Yesterday, a colleague reached out asking for my views on the news that RBI had sold its Gold Reserves. His concern was simple: "Does this mean the IndianEconomy is in trouble? I also heard…
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Most salaried people don't choose a tax regime, they assume one
A lot of salaried people don't actually choose a TaxRegime. They assume one based on what they hear! Recently, a professional reached out, asking why the Income Tax portal shows tax due…
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The car EMI that makes ₹2 lakh a month feel small
One of the biggest reasons even a ₹2 lakh monthly income feels insufficient today is the CarLoan EMI. Recently, someone reached out asking for advice on buying a car. As expected, the…
May 202622
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“The day I have ₹10 crore, I'll quit the rat race”
"The day I have 10 Cr, I will quit the RatRace!" A frustrated friend made this bold statement recently. I asked him a simple question:
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An open letter to Goibibo about a refund
Dear Rajesh Magow and Sanjay Bhasin, I am sharing this experience to ensure it reaches the appropriate team. I raised a refund request with Goibibo after the airline cancelled one leg of my…
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Which is the “best” asset right now?
Which is the 'best' Asset to invest in right now? Recently, a friend reached out with this question. With Indian equities giving flat returns over the past 2 years, many investors are once…
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A retiree, ₹50 lakh and a premium credit card
Craze for CreditCards is unbelievable these days, thanks to finfluencers! Recently, a Retiree reached out asking for suggestions on a premium credit card. He was willing to invest 50 lakhs…
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A trick for impulse spenders: let the company save it first
Years back, I had a friend who struggled to control impulse spending. Her biggest problem was simple: The moment the salary got credited, shopping apps suddenly became very attractive! I…
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Markets are irrational, and that's normal
“Markets are Irrational; they are driven more by Sentiments than by Facts.” People often get offended when I say this. Many feel that hours of research, balance sheet analysis, and…
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“The rupee will cross 150!” Calm down
“Rupee will cross 150 against the Dollar! The IndianEconomy is collapsing!” A friend called me in panic mode after watching a podcast. And honestly, this is becoming a pattern these days -…
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An advisor who never lets you withdraw
Recently, a friend reached out with a rather unique problem: “My MutualFund Advisor never lets me withdraw money!” During bull markets, the response would be:
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Carpooling: the easiest way to cut fuel use
Whether your company announces WorkFromHome or not, is not in your hands… But there are still many ways to reduce fuel consumption and make commuting more sustainable. One of the simplest…
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After two years, a new card I actually enjoy: slice UPI credit card
After almost 2 years, I finally got a new CreditCard… And surprisingly, I am genuinely loving the experience 😄 The slice UPI Credit Card!
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We all have a role to play in helping the economy
We all have a role to play in helping the Economy! Sharing an Old post, which resonates with the appeal made by Modiji a few days back! If we act, we can help, or we can continue to crib!…
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Petrol price protests: can opposition states lead by example?
Most Opposition parties have protested the recent PetrolPrice hike. But here’s a simple question: Can they lead by example? Most people only blame the Central Government whenever petrol or…
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How do you know if your mutual fund is actually doing well?
“How do I know whether my MutualFund is actually performing well?” Recently, while discussing markets with a friend, she said: “Markets are down, so naturally my Mutual Funds are also down.”
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25,000 tonnes of household gold, and schemes that keep failing
As per various estimates, Indian households are believed to hold over 25,000 tonnes of Gold! Yet, scheme after scheme launched by the government to bring this Gold into the formal economy…
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Retiring with ₹2–3 crore? It's less than it sounds
Recently, a connection on LinkedIn asked me: “What would you recommend for someone retiring with a ₹2–3 Cr corpus?” At first glance, ₹2–3 Cr sounds like a huge amount. But for a retired…
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Instant help services and the real price of convenience
Would you continue using InstantHelp services… if companies started charging the Real Price? A young colleague recently shared her “hack” with me 😄 She has moved her regular maid out and…
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“Vijay sir keeps 50% in the bank!” Have his money first
A friend recently forwarded me Vijay’s Portfolio breakup and said: “Bhai, you never let me keep money in bank deposits… see Vijay sir, he has more than 50% assets in banks!” I replied: “The…
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Paying ₹50,000+ rent? You may need to deduct TDS
While commuting today, I casually asked my carpool partner about the Rent he pays! He replied ₹50,000+ for a 2BHK in Bengaluru! I asked: “Are you deducting TDS?”
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How much is much? The ₹40 crore retirement panic
How Much is Much??? Recently, a friend called me in panic. He had just heard a podcast where someone spoke about a ₹40 Cr Retirement corpus. Problem? He wasn’t even close.
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When media houses start behaving like finfluencers
What happens when Media houses start behaving like finfluencers? Came across this headline on Moneycontrol: “Save nearly ₹1 Cr in taxes on a ₹5 Cr retirement corpus…”
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FDs are still a solid option for many retirees
Contrary to what many Finfluencers say, FixedDeposits (FDs) are still a solid option for many Retirees. Not because they give the highest returns, but because they offer: - Simplicity
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The Paytm Payments Bank panic, and what actually changed
Last week was a field day for influencers! Thanks to the regulatory action on Paytm Payments Bank by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), cancelling its banking license. The influencers, as…
April 202618
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I bought farmland and expect zero returns
Last year, I bought a piece of farmland. One of my friends was furious. “Why didn’t you tell me? I would have invested too!” It got worse when I told him, “I expect ZeroReturns from it.”
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Microsoft's buyout and retiring as a developer
In the West, you could retire as a Developer. In India, you were expected to keep climbing the ladder. That line may need an update, with the recent voluntary buyout announced by Microsoft:…
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25+ mutual funds in under three years: why this Kolaveri?
Recently reviewed a colleague’s MutualFund Portfolio. Portfolio age: < 3 years, Number of funds: 25+! I asked: “Why this Kolaveri?”
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₹2.2 lakh for Senior KG: is expensive the only option?
This image is doing the rounds. ₹2.2 lakh+ for Senior KG! And the usual narrative is:“Education is becoming unaffordable.” But here’s a slightly uncomfortable thought: Is expensive…
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The PM's jhalmuri moment was paid in cash
Recently, during an election campaign in WestBengal, the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji had a “Jhalmuri moment”. The video went viral almost instantly. But one small detail…
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Closing a PPF account at a PSU bank: easier than feared
Recently, an old college mate reached out. His Public Provident Fund (PPF) account was maturing, and he needed help with the withdrawal process. Since the account was with the biggest…
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When IT firms stopped hiring by the busload
There was a time when ITService firms hired in bulk; they would literally pick up students from campuses in buses! Two decades later, that model is quietly fading! Thanks to AI and…
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UPI at 10: how PhonePe and GPay built a duopoly
The third post in the series as UPI completes a decade. 👉 How the duopoly was built by PhonePe and GPay! Going back to 2016, around the time of demonetization.
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UPI at 10: the rise and fall of Paytm
As UPI completes a decade, this is the second post in the series. 👉 The story of Paytm There was a time when Paytm was synonymous with the DigitalEconomy in India.
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Oil, the Strait of Hormuz and a scary-looking equation
ΔO_BSOH > 0 ⇒ f(f(O)) > f(O) Can you decode this? At first glance, it looks like a complex equation.
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UPI at 10: two changes that could alter it
As UPI completes a decade, two proposed changes could fundamentally alter how we experience it! 1️⃣ 1-Hour Delay on Transfers (>₹10,000) UPI became what it is because of one promise:…
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Record SIP inflows in a volatile March: maturity or marketing?
March 2026 was a volatile month for equities. Yet… Equity MutualFunds saw ₹40,450 Cr inflows! SIPs hit a record ₹32,087 Cr!
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The unluckiest equity investor vs the boring debt investor
Unluckiest Investor vs a “Boring” Debt Investor, Who wins over 35 years? Most would instinctively say: “Equity investor, obviously.” After all, we’re told:
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A tough day to be a market analyst
Tough day to be a market analyst yesterday 😄 Till around 1 PM, the narrative was clear: - “Global cues are dragging the markets down.”
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“Have you ever faced backlash?” Quite often
Recently, a colleague asked me: “Have you ever faced backlash for your comments here?” Short answer: Yes. Quite often. Those who follow me know…
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My chocolate habit, and reading the sugar label
People who know me… know my addiction to Chocolates 🍫 I can literally eat any type of Chocolate, anytime! About a year back, my wife (rightly) got concerned and said:
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Laid off? How severance is taxed
Layoffs are heartbreaking. Beyond the emotional impact, there’s an immediate financial question: Does the government provide any tax relief in such situations? Most severance structures…
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Invested instead of prepaying the home loan. Now what?
“Bro, I am screwed…” That’s how the call started. He had invested surplus money in equities, instead of repaying his HomeLoan.
March 202617
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When the rupee falls, our choices matter too
Every time the Rupee falls, the first reaction is: 👉 “What is the Government doing?” Though the policies and global factors majorly drive the direction, there’s also a smaller, less…
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A legal way to save ₹15,625: tax harvesting
It’s rare for the government to give anything “free” to taxpayers. But there is one legal way to save up to ₹15,625 in taxes, if used correctly. 👉 Tax Loss/Gain Harvesting
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The pani puri seller who earns more than an engineer? Do the math
Every few weeks, a post goes viral: “PaniPuri seller earns more than a SoftwareEngineer!” And the SocialMedia goes: 👉 “Why did I even study?” 😄 Let’s decode this viral math of Influencers.…
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A very professional message from a very casual friend
Recently, an old college mate reached out to me on LinkedIn for advice. The message was extremely professional!!! This is someone I know from college as one of the most casual, easy-going…
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90% equity right before FIRE? Only with a finfluencer
One of the most 'funniest' tweets I read today 👇 Because no sane person who is about to achieve FIRE sits on 90% equity, unless their advisor is a Finfluencer! Remember, FIRE isn’t just…
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Fuel prices are rising globally, but not in India. Why?
Fuel Prices Are Rising Globally… But Not in India. Why? Even though prices were officially deregulated years ago, the reality is quite different, especially when Public Sector Undertakings…
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₹25–30 lakh of credit card benefits a year? At what spend?
“₹25–30 lakhs worth of Benefits every year from my CreditCards.” WoW!! “How much did you spend to get that?” Let’s break it down as per the Moneycontrol article (link below).
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Induction cooktops bought during the LPG shortage
I wonder how many Induction cooktops bought during the current LPG shortage will still be used a few weeks from now! My guess? Most will quietly move to the store room.
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Changed jobs mid-year? Declare the previous salary
Changed jobs during the financial year? This could impact your taxes. Many employees switch jobs midway through the year. But there’s one small step many people miss.
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Could the war bring back work from home?
Could the current War unexpectedly bring back WorkFromHome? Sounds strange, but think about it. The ongoing WestAsia conflict is already creating ripple effects in India’s daily life.
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Should salaried employees worry about advance tax?
Should Salaried Employees worry about the AdvanceTax? Recently, a friend asked me this question. His logic was simple: “I’m a salaried employee. My employer already deducts TDS. Why should…
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Checking your net worth every day is a bad idea
A colleague looked unusually sad for the last few days. So I decided to have a small chat with him. The reason for his distress was quite surprising.
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Amazon's customer obsession, and no way to report a bug
“CustomerObsession.” That’s the promise printed everywhere by Amazon. But recently I discovered something surprising. Apparently, there is no proper system for customers to report product…
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Lost a home after missing three EMIs? Check the story first
Recently, SocialMedia was flooded with posts about someone losing his home after missing just 3 EMIs due to a JobLoss. The story spread fast. - Major Media houses picked it up.
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FIRE at 40 with 30x expenses. Is that enough?
Recently, an ex-colleague called me. “Bro, at 40… I’ve achieved FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early).” I congratulated him and asked about the numbers. “30x corpus. I’m done working…
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More 2026 devaluations: the SBI Cashback card
As predicted in my CreditCard analysis, 2026 continues to be the year of devaluations. Almost all major banks have announced some form of devaluation, including HDFC, ICICI, Amex! The…
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A founder wanted me to endorse his product
Recently, an acquaintance reached out: “Bro, the founder of the company I work with loves your posts. He wants to collaborate with you for brand endorsements.” I asked, “What exactly do you…
February 202610
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HDFC Infinia's ₹18 lakh spend threshold rumour
HDFCInfinia continues to confuse its cardholders. The latest grapevine? A steep increase in the annual spend threshold to retain the CreditCard.
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FASTag fixed payments, not VIP exemptions
You thought FASTag would “fasten” your journey. Instead, you’re stuck in a queue… watching VIP arguments unfold! FASTag solved payment friction. It didn’t solve Exemption friction.
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Which industry will AI disrupt last? Banking, because of COBOL
Which industry will AI disrupt last? At a recent lunch discussion, someone said: “Banking. Because of COBOL.” And that’s not a joke, COBOL powers.
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Why are we so lazy with our own money?
Why are we so lazy with our own Money? We negotiate fiercely for a 5% salary hike. We switch jobs for a 20% jump! But when it comes to Investing? We outsource our brains!
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India exports UPI, but its tech events say “cash only”
India exports UPI innovation to the world. But at our own tech events… “Cash Only.” Let that sink in! Even the delegates at the AIIndiaImpactSummit2026 faced a similar issue!
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Budget 2026: the old tax regime isn't gone yet
The Government loves to confuse the CommonMan! Most people believed that with the majority of taxpayers shifting to the NewTaxRegime, Budget2026 would quietly mark the end of the…
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How many people actually pay for airport lounges?
Have you ever wondered how many flyers actually pay to enter an AirportLounge? During a recent visit to one of the busiest airports in the country, I struck up a conversation with the…
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Why is Bengaluru Metro among the costliest?
Bengaluru Metro is among the costliest in the country. Ever wondered why? The usual explanations are well known: - Delays in execution
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Budget 2026 and the STT hike: can taxes kill trading?
Budget2026 & the STT Shock: Can Higher Taxes Kill Trading? During the Budget 2026 speech, the Finance Minister announced an increase in STT, and the markets didn’t take it lightly. Major…
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Budget 2026's highlight: the old regime survives another year
For income taxpayers, the only real highlight of this year’s Budget is simple: The Old Tax Regime survives for one more year!!! Budget2026! PersonalFinance MoneyMinusNoise IncomeTax
January 202614
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Gold and silver were supposed to be the boring part
Gold and Silver are supposed to be the Boring part of the Portfolio! They provide Stability, Hedge, and Insurance! But the recent bull run feels anything but boring.
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“I'll get you 10% off.” The employee discount trick
“Bro, if you want to buy anything from a prominent eCom platform, do tell me. I’ll give you a flat 10% discount.” Naturally, I asked why the generosity. Answer?
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If Infinia falters, what's the next premium card?
After the recent HDFCInfinia reward churn, many readers asked me: “If Infinia falters, what’s the next best premium CreditCard?” My answer was ICICIEmeralde Private Metal (EPM), but the…
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Myntra cancelled my order “as per your request”. I never asked
When platforms fail, they don’t fix the problem. They rewrite the narrative! Ordered from Myntra. The order got cancelled with the reason: “Cancelled as per your request.”
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Banks are lending more than they're collecting in deposits
India’s banking sector is facing a quiet but serious challenge! The Credit–Deposit (CD) ratio has crossed 100% on an incremental basis. Simply put, banks are lending more money than the…
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HDFC rolled back the Infinia devaluation in 24 hours
HDFCBank Rolled Back Infinia Devaluation in 24 Hours! Yes, HDFC Bank reversed the Infinia Gyftr–SmartBuy devaluation within a day after social media backlash. 5x reward points on voucher…
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The first premium card casualty of 2026: HDFC Infinia
First Major Casualty of 2026 in Premium CreditCards Is Here!!! HDFCInfinia has officially Devalued! From now on, Brand Voucher purchases via Gyftr SmartBuy earn only 3x rewards, down from…
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How the new wage code and NPS changes could slowly kill EPF
How the NewWageCode & NPS Changes Could Slowly Kill EPF! Two recent policy shifts, when viewed together, have the potential to significantly reduce the relevance of EPF over time. Let’s…
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What US rate caps could mean for credit cards
Latest developments in the US could fundamentally change how CreditCards work. The credit card business is largely funded by “revolvers” - customers who pay only the minimum due and incur…
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Take a personal loan to invest in equity? More replies than expected
A few days back, I wrote about a friend who suggested a “sure-shot” way to become rich fast - Take a PersonalLoan and invest in Equities! While that idea itself was shaky, what surprised me…
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The “magic” of SWPs at an assumed 12%
I recently read an article on a popular finance platform glorifying the “magic” of Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP). The example looked comforting: - Assumed 12% annual returns
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Should India have a silver monetisation scheme?
With rising industrial demand for silver, should India think about a Silver Monetization Scheme? We already have a Gold Monetization Scheme (GMS), introduced to mobilise idle gold held by…
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The master plan to get rich fast: personal loan into equity
“Bro, I’ve found a Master Plan to become Rich fast.” Naturally, I asked him to share the details. “These days, PersonalLoans are available at as low interest rates as 10%, opt for it and…
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Cigarette and liquor shops are among UPI's fastest growers
Cigarette and Liquor shops have seen one of the highest growths in UPI usage over the last two years. At first glance, it’s just a data point. But it quietly reflects how behaviour,…
December 202510
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Five commandments to get financially stronger in 2026
5 Commandments to Become Financially Stronger in 2026 1. Thou shalt maintain a solid EmergencyFund With uncertainty in the job market, aim to keep at least 12 months of expenses as an…
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“Silver prices won't come down.” Remember aluminium
“Silver prices won’t come down; keep investing.” That was a friend’s confident claim, backed by a logical argument: rising industrial usage means rising demand. To counter him, I shared the…
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“I'm late for my flight” actually means “late for the lounge”
When “I’m getting late for the flight” actually means “My lounge entry is getting delayed” Recently, while boarding a flight at Bengaluru Airport, I was standing in the security check-in…
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Will silver hit ₹3 lakh a kg? I don't know
“Will Silver hit ₹3 lakh per kg next year?” This was the question one of my cousins recently asked me. My honest answer, as always: I don’t know.
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A senior citizen's retirement portfolio, and the hidden risk
Recently, a SeniorCitizen approached me to review his retirement portfolio. At first glance, everything looked impressive: a healthy corpus, reasonable asset allocation, and enough money to…
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My annual credit card review for 2025
💳 As 2025 comes to an end, it’s time for my annual CreditCard review! As the Indian CC industry matures, one trend has become impossible to ignore: devaluations everywhere. Almost every…
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Two new wage code rules that could hurt salaried employees
Two rules that may silently harm salaried employees after the implementation of the new Wage Codes. Rule 1: ₹2.5 lakh EPF contribution cap If your own contribution to EPF exceeds ₹2.5 lakh…
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After the IndiGo fiasco: is the government to blame?
After the recent Indigo fiasco, almost every gathering I’ve attended has revolved around the same topic. And the most common sentiment? “The government failed to ensure healthy…
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A race to the first trillion, and momos for a cow
We live in a strange world, while a Man is doing everything to become the first trillionaire, another man feeds a Cow, Chicken momos for some eyeballs, and 3000 bucks! Source -…
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A right to disconnect, when our jobs are our identities
Recently, RightToDisconnect Bill was presented in the Parliament. But the real question is, can we truly disconnect from work anymore? Somewhere along the way, our jobs became our…
November 202511
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The new wage code won't get you gratuity after two years
Recently, a colleague excitedly told me, “Thanks to the New Wage Code, I’ll finally get my Gratuity payout!” He had just resigned after completing a little over two years in the company.…
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Parag Parikh joins the index fund wave, with a twist
📈 ParagParikh Finally Joins the IndexFund Wave… But With a Twist! With the rising popularity of Index Mutual Funds, I’ve often wondered when one of India’s most trusted AMCs - Parag Parikh…
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“Only mutual funds for me, no stocks.” Not quite
🚗💬 A Carpool Conversation That Revealed a Bigger Problem! Today, during my carpool, our chat drifted toward investments. One of my co-riders said confidently, “I don’t invest in stocks.…
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Would you ditch your car if office parking cost money?
🚗 Would You Ditch Your Car If Your Company Starts Charging for Parking? Recently, BengaluruTrafficPolice proposed something quite bold: Companies should start charging employees for using…
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Fund managers bought the IPO. Should you?
📈 “If MutualFunds and NPS Fund Managers are investing in an IPO, why shouldn’t I?” Recently, a friend asked me this exact question. He wanted to invest in an IPO, but after reviewing the…
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IDFC's 2.5% debit card rewards are ending
All Good Things Come to an End, Soon! IDFCBank came up with one of the most lucrative DebitCard reward programs ever, offering up to 2.5% back on spends! That’s something even many paid…
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₹50 lakh crore in equity funds, and the expense ratio bill
The Assets under Custody (AUC) of Equity MutualFunds in India have crossed ₹50 lakh crore in October. In just two years, the industry asset base has doubled! As we know, every Mutual Fund…
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Is FIRE a Western concept? Not anymore
💰 Is FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) a Western Concept? If someone had asked me this question a decade ago, I would’ve said yes, but not anymore. A decade back, layoffs were…
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Cancer, pollution and the food chain
There was a time when Cancer was a rare disease. Not anymore!! Almost every family today knows someone who has battled it, some survived, others weren’t as lucky. While medical science has…
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Does our job define who we are?
Does Our Job Really Define Who We Are? While discussing FIRE (Financially Independent, Retire Early) with a friend, he asked something that really made me pause - “How would society look at…
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The Lenskart IPO valuation debate
The LenskartIPO has split the market right down the middle. One camp is ridiculing the lofty valuation, while the other is busy justifying it. Last time we saw such a heated debate was…
October 20257
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An AI-generated Mahabharat with no actors
Recently, JioHotstar launched a 100-episode Mahabharat series, but here’s the twist: There are no real actors, no sets, and no cameras! Every scene, every expression, and every character is…
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Are physical cards heading for extinction?
💳 Are Physical Cards Heading Towards Extinction? Every year, without fail, I end up with a bunch of cards to discard, thanks to renewals or upgrades! This year, while cleaning my “precious…
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A Diwali gift: my wife's income tax refund
This Diwali brought an extra dose of happiness to our home; my wife’s long-awaited IncomeTax refund finally got processed! For months, she’s been after me, insisting I must’ve messed up her…
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Two hours for 16 km, thanks to one broken-down bus
It took me over 2 hours to cover just 16 km yesterday! All thanks to a bus breaking down near Ecospace Flyover! Since I didn’t have any carpool partners today, I had all the time in the…
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Why is running the nation a part-time job?
Why is running the nation treated like a part-time job by many of our Netas? Many continue their professional lives, as artists, industrialists, or business owners, while holding public…
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Payments lessons from a trip to Bali
💳 Payments Lessons from My Recent Trip to Bali! Travel always teaches you something new. This time, it was about how different the digital payment experience is compared to India. Here’s…
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The biggest investing risk: herd mentality
The Biggest Risk in Investing: The HerdMentality! Till recently, no one was really interested in Gold; even if anyone was recommending it, people were running after more flashy assets!…
September 20259
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How the H-1B changes could ripple through Indian IT
While the confusion around H1B visas continues, the impact will be multi-fold! If current trends hold, here’s what we might see: 👩💻 Talent & Education
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Paying rent by credit card? Read this
If you are paying Rent via CreditCards, this post is for you! For years, rent payments were one of the easiest ways to circulate money via credit cards. Regulators were aware that this was…
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A 600% jump in ITR-3 filings, thanks to intraday trading
According to data shared by ClearTax, the number of people filing ITR3 has surged dramatically, up by 600%! Why this sudden jump? - A large wave of individuals, including college students…
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Why I don't upgrade my phone every year
The other day, my carpool partner asked me why I don’t upgrade my phone. Her logic was simple: “Apple just launched iPhone17. Mine looks rough, and I can easily opt for no-cost EMI during…
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20 million UPI Autopay mandates revoked every month
📉 20 million UPI Autopay mandates get revoked every month, mostly due to low customer balances! UPI Autopay has quietly become the default for RecurringPayments from OTT subscriptions, news…
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A credit card with a ₹90 limit: super.money's play
Would you swipe a CreditCard with a limit of just ₹90? And the bigger question is, why would anyone even issue such a card? I’ve admired SuperMoney for what they’ve built in the UPI space…
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Two tax lemons from the Finance Minister: add value
🍋 When life gives you lemons, don’t just add sugar, add value! In the last 6 months, our FinanceMinister has given us two big lemons (in a good way 😉): ✅ IncomeTax relief: Under the new…
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I don't track expenses. I track savings
“How do you track your Expenses?” This is a question I am often asked. My answer usually surprises people. I don’t track expenses, I track Savings!
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Filing ITR is not for the faint-hearted
Filing ITR is not for the faint-hearted. But after two weekends of trial, error, and frustration, I finally filed IncomeTax Returns for myself and my better half. And it honestly feels like…
August 202513
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Prepay the home loan, or buy bonds and corporate FDs?
A few days ago, I wrote about why it is better to close a HomeLoan early, rather than parking surplus money in equities. That post sparked another debate with a friend, “Why not invest in…
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Would you take a card just because it's lifetime free?
Would you apply for a new CreditCard just because it’s “LifetimeFree”? A friend recently asked me about a new credit card. Knowing the cards he already held, I told him, “You don’t really…
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Dream11's “99% never lost more than ₹10,000”: stats as storytelling
Stats - the most powerful Storyteller! They can shape perceptions instantly! Recently, the Dream11 founder said: “99% of Dream11’s 260 million users never won or lost more than ₹10,000 in…
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You don't need a credit card to build a credit score
Over the past few years, finfluencers have been pushing people to get a CreditCard just to build a CreditScore. The debate even reached Parliament recently, where the FinanceMinistry had to…
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Would you play fantasy league without real money?
Would you still play FantasyLeague if there was no real Money involved? I asked this question to a friend, a few months back, who is deeply into fantasy sports. His response surprised me:…
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Excel vs real life: should you prepay your home loan?
The Excel Sheet vs RealLife Debate: should you Prepay your HomeLoan? If you follow finfluencers, you’ve surely heard this: “Don’t prepay your home loan. Invest instead, home loan interest…
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Why is filing taxes in India harder than filing a patent?
Why is TaxFiling in India harder than filing a patent? I spent my entire Sunday struggling with the Income Tax portal, and I’m still not done! Despite being educated, tech-savvy, and fairly…
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How an ice cream bill became a payments case study
Why my IceCream Bill Turned Into a Payments Case Study 🍦💳!! Over the weekend, I visited a popular ice cream parlor. Like everyone else these days, I scanned the QR to pay, only to see my…
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Inflation is 1.55%. Why does city life feel 15% dearer?
If Inflation is only 1.55%, why does life in the City feel 15% more expensive every year? Recently, a friend told me she got a 15% salary hike, yet she wasn’t happy. “Barely keeps up with…
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Want to become a mutual fund distributor now? Think again
Recently, a friend told me he wanted to become a MutualFund Distributor (MFD), inspired by a similar story as covered in the picture attached, and asked for my advice. With the rapid rise…
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AI is already creating stock market casualties
AI Is Already Creating StockMarket Casualties! Not all companies are winning in the AI revolution; some are getting crushed. Here’s who’s feeling the pain: 🎨 Creative & Media Editing –…
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Is the government becoming the camel in the tent?
Is the Government becoming like the Camel in the tent? Remember the story where the camel, inch by inch, pushes the Master out of his tent? Many citizens feel the same way, being cornered…
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Nykaa, a finfluencer and the business of selling fear
Nykaa received a lot of unwarranted attention recently, all thanks to an unsolicited post by a Finfluencer. As the post went viral, many more finfluencers joined the bandwagon! As usual,…
July 20259
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TCS lays off 12,000: why it's bigger than 2%
TCS to lay off 12,000 employees - but is it just 2% of its 600,000+ workforce? But as always Devil lies in the Details - The layoffs are focused on middle and senior management.
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Why does a Tesla cost double in India?
Every second post on my LinkedIn feed is about Tesla! “How can the same car cost double in India compared to the US?” And of course, people are quick to mock our FM, pull out PPP stats, and…
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“My credit score dropped 10 points!” So?
Bro, my CreditScore just dropped by 10 points! “Okay... so?” “Are you even listening? It dropped! By 10 points!”
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The foreclosure charge that kept an expensive loan alive
While reviewing a friend's finances, I noticed he had a PersonalLoan at a high interest rate, but also had sufficient surplus to close it. When I asked why he wasn’t closing the loan, his…
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Jio BlackRock's ₹17,800 crore NFO start: what's in a name?
What’s in a name? Ask JioBlackRock! Three NFOs (New Fund Offers) launched under the Jio BlackRock banner have already collected ₹17,800+ crore! Instantly putting them among the top 15 fund…
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Why I recommend index funds, not trading
“Why do you always recommend IndexMutualFunds and not trading strategies?” I get this question more often than you’d imagine! Most people say, “Index gives just 10%. I can easily beat that…
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Porter's five forces, DreamFolks edition
PortersFiveForces at Play – DreamFolks Edition! DreamFolks carved out a niche in India’s airport lounge ecosystem, connecting banks and fragmented lounge service providers to offer a…
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“I have a lump sum. Where should I invest?”
“I have a LumpSum. Where should I invest?” A friend recently asked. Before suggesting anything, I asked him a simple question: “What % of your total portfolio is this lump sum?”
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The easiest way to attract HNIs: ₹500 off a flight
The easiest way to attract HNIs? Launch a travel portal and give ₹500 off on flight tickets! Suddenly, even the most affluent are excited to "save big" on their next business class ticket. 😄
June 202513
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Layoffs announced: EMIs, no salary, no emergency fund
Layoffs announced. A friend called, anxious and overwhelmed! He's been with the company for over a decade. But now, he fears he may be on the hit list. What worried him the most? EMIs, no…
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“The richest 5% need 100 years to buy a home”: a flawed survey
Last Week, Finfluencers had a Field Day, Thanks to a 'Flawed' National Housing Bank (NHB) survey claiming: “Even the 'richest' 5% in India would take 100+ years to afford a home!” A Perfect…
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How one small traffic change adds an hour to the commute
How a small Traffic change increases Commute time disproportionately! Whitefield, once a sleepy industrial town, is now an IT powerhouse. Tech parks, apartments, offices, all booming. But…
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super.money is doing what others couldn't
super.money is Doing What Others Couldn’t Even Dream Of! In a cluttered, commoditized UPI market dominated by giants like PhonePe, GooglePay, and Paytm, a relatively new entrant has quietly…
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Life insurers are feeling the heat after COVID
LifeInsurance companies are facing the heat post COVID. Over the past five years, they have seen a 75% increase in death claims, while there has been a 25% drop in the number of lives…
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When public welfare takes a backseat to profit: Hebbal metro depot
When PublicWelfare Takes a Backseat to Profit! NammaMetro had bold plans - a full-fledged depot at Hebbal that would: - Support the upcoming Hebbal - Sarjapur metro line
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The bike taxi “jugaad” that isn't worth cheering
While many LinkedIn Influencers cheer the “innovative jugaad” of BikeTaxi startups continuing post-ban in Karnataka by offering 'parcel' services, the ground reality is far from…
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SBI cuts savings rates to 2.5%. Is it worth keeping money there?
The Banker to Every Indian, SBI slashes Savings Account interest rate to 2.5% - Is it even worth keeping your money there anymore? The funny part, even this 2.5% is taxable! With inflation…
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Your MF platform shut down? Your money is safe
When your MutualFund investing platform shuts down, don’t panic! A friend recently called me in a panic, the platform he used for investing his life savings in MFs was shutting down. "Will…
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“Which platform for FDs?” Maybe the wrong question
Recently, a senior colleague asked me: "Which platform should I use to invest in FixedDeposits (FDs)?" But once I understood his financial situation, a steady income well above expenses, I…
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Repo rate cuts: good for borrowers, tough for FD investors
RBI RepoRate Cuts — Great News for Borrowers, Tough Times for FixedDeposit Investors! While EMI payers are celebrating the latest Repo Rate reduction, there’s a silent segment that’s…
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Bureaucrats get blamed, netas move on
Time and again, tragedy after tragedy, it's the bureaucrats who are blamed, suspended, while the Netas move on! We saw that in the recent Gachibowli deforestation case in Hyderabad, and now…
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The old tax regime just got a reality check
OldTaxRegime Just Got a Reality Check! With the latest changes in the ITR forms for FY25, the Old Tax Regime isn’t as “easy to manipulate” anymore, and that's by design. The IncomeTax…
May 20259
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“Great returns, but I don't trust the fund now”
“The fund gave me great returns, but I don’t trust it now.” That’s what a friend told me when she called last week, thanking me for recommending a MutualFund that delivered solid gains.…
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Why EPF interest needs two ministries to sign off
The Finance Ministry has ratified the EPF interest rate for FY 24–25, a key milestone after the Labour Ministry gave its nod in February 2024. For those wondering: Why does it take two…
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Who uses handkerchiefs nowadays? Count the tissues
While watching SharkTank, a Shark quipped: “Who even uses handkerchiefs nowadays?” It got me thinking, because today, FacialTissues are everywhere, in bags, cars, washrooms, restaurants,…
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The Supreme Court, Telangana and the forest land
The SupremeCourt has come down hard on Telangana’s Chief Secretary, demanding the restoration of forest land encroached upon in Hyderabad, or face jail. A bold move? Yes. But a fair one?…
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Markets zoomed Monday, crashed Tuesday. Stop checking
Markets zoomed on Monday. Crashed on Tuesday! On Monday evening, my friend messaged: "Can’t wait to check my mutual fund portfolio tomorrow!”
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A new pecking order in the UPI universe
A New Pecking Order in the UPI Universe? For years, the top 3 UPI players have remained untouchable. But now it seems, even the 4th and 5th spots have become permanent! As per the NPCI data…
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Toxic work culture and ageism: the omitted health risks
While COVID and lifestyle factors are valid contributors, let’s talk about the two important factors conveniently omitted: Toxic WorkCulture and Ageism! - Toxic Work Culture Let’s be honest…
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Social media is ruthless
SocialMedia is Ruthless! One match, you're a hero for scoring a century! Next match, you're trolled for a duck — by the same people who praised you yesterday!
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“Did we get a hike?” No, the new tax slabs kicked in
“Bro, did we get a salary hike?” “Why do you think so?” “The salary SMS looks... fatter than usual!”
April 20257
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Would you risk your career for a few hundred rupees?
Would you Risk your Career for a Few Hundred Rupees? Recently, I came across a post that made me pause. An individual admitted to fudging telephone bills to claim a few extra bucks from his…
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Graphite India's Whitefield land: what came next
A few years ago, when the GraphiteIndia factory in Whitefield was shut down due to environmental concerns, many nearby residents celebrated. But I was skeptical. I had a feeling that this…
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UPI data for March 2025: the notable shifts
NPCI recently published the UPI data for March 25, and while the usual giants still rule, there are some notable shifts in the rankings - 🏆 1. PhonePe & Google Pay – Still Dominating!…
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Karthik calling Karthik: GenAI writing to GenAI
Karthik calling Karthik? A GenAI Reflection! Recently, I met a friend who uses GenAI before replying to any of her emails. It saves her so much time — she doesn’t have to think through the…
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A ₹5 crore Lamborghini gift, and the gift tax
A friend was reading about JanhviKapoor receiving a ₹5 Cr Lamborghini as a gift. He turned to me and asked: "When are you gifting me one?" 😄 I smiled and said, “Sure! Do you have ₹2 Cr…
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Why do we need daylight saving time?
I always wondered — what’s the real need for Daylight Saving Time (DST)? As a kid, our school simply changed timings for summer and winter months — and we all followed it without any…
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Should you invest in PPF if you're in the new tax regime?
A friend recently asked, "Should I invest ₹1.5 lakhs in PPF before April 5th, even though I’ve moved to the new tax regime?" While the PPF limit hasn’t increased in years and interest rates…
March 20256
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IndiGo never fails to surprise
IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) Never fails to Surprise! A while back, the Airline faced backlash when their auto seat allocation algorithm separated kids from their parents. After a lot…
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IndiGo's pink seats and the extra fare
A few months ago, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) introduced PinkSeats—a special selection for women during web check-in that allows female passengers to select seats next to other women.…
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15 March: advance tax deadline, even if you're salaried
March 15th – Last Date for AdvanceTax Payment! "My employer already deducts tax - should I still worry about Advance Tax?" Many think that since TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is deducted…
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A Holi music video made entirely by AI
With Holi around the corner, a friend shared a vibrant new music video in our WhatsApp group. The song was catchy, and the visuals were stunning - but something felt off! On a closer look,…
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Gold loans are up 50%. Should RBI worry?
Gold Loans are Surging, making RBI worried? Gold loans in India have skyrocketed by over 50%, far outpacing overall loan growth. What’s driving this Gold Rush?
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Tax harvesting for mutual fund investors: is it magic?
TaxHarvesting for MutualFund Investors! As the financial year-end approaches, many finfluencers will flood your feed, pitching Tax Harvesting as a "smart" way to save money. But is it as…
February 202515
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My four-year-old phone still looks new
"You got a new phone!" my colleague exclaimed. I smiled and replied, "Nope, it’s my 4-year-old mobile, I just removed the cover!" His next reaction? "But it doesn't look like an iPhone.…
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I lent a friend money. Here's where it went
A few months ago, I had lent money to a friend, which he was supposed to return six months ago. When the due date arrived, he requested an extension. Curious, I asked why. After some…
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A friend's wife launched an activewear brand
Recently, I caught up with a friend over lunch after a long time. We reminisced about old times, but soon the conversation took an exciting turn, he shared how his wife, Gauri, had launched…
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Bengaluru's infra problem doesn't need gods to fix
Is the Bengaluru's Infra Problem so Complex that even Gods can’t solve it, as stated by our Minister? Not at all! - Metro & Construction Chaos
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Bengaluru's last USP, its weather, might soon be lost
Bengaluru’s Last USP - Its Weather - Might Soon Be Lost! For all the problems this city has - from traffic jams to crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, to corruption - most citizens…
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Nothing lasts forever, not even diamonds
Nothing Lasts Forever - Not Even Diamonds! 💎 Recently, I watched the Netflix documentary "Nothing Lasts Forever," which explores the rise of lab-grown diamonds and how they’re shaking up…
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The harsh reality of invoice discounting
The Harsh Reality of InvoiceDiscounting: A Lesson in Risk vs. Reward Over the years, many have asked me about Alternative Investment options, and one of the most frequently mentioned is…
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Can EPFO keep paying 8.25% when equities give 5%?
With equities delivering only ~5% annual returns, can EPFO maintain an 8.25% interest rate? The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) invests 5-15% of fresh accretions into…
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Infosys, 70-hour weeks and frozen salaries
Infosys has been in the spotlight for controversial reasons — from NRN's 70-hour workweek suggestion to stagnant salaries and the firing of freshers for failing internal assessments. While…
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Freebies are winning elections
With BJP winning Delhi, the electoral landscape might witness rampant repercussions. However, a more intriguing pattern is emerging across state elections — freebies are winning votes!…
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Repo rate cut. When will my loan rate fall?
With the RBI Governor reducing the RepoRate by 25 basis points, many borrowers have one burning question: When will my loan interest rates go down? All retail floating-rate loans sanctioned…
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Nikhil Kamath, Bryan Johnson and our air
NikhilKamath's recent podcast with BryanJohnson shed light on a grim reality — the air quality in our cities is deteriorating at an alarming rate. AQI levels in major Indian cities have…
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Everyone wants a slice of the ₹1 lakh crore tax bonanza
Everyone Wants a Slice of the Rs 1 Lakh Crore Bonanza announced by the FM during Budget 2025! In boardrooms across the country, be it small or big, startup or old age company, everyone is…
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Budget 2025 shifts the tax burden to under 1% of people
While Budget2025 offers much-needed relief for the MiddleClass, it quietly shifts the direct taxation burden to less than 1% of the population. As per AY 2023-24 data, only 1 crore…
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Tax bonanza: consumerism or investments?
Tax Bonanza - Consumerism vs Investments! The Budget2025 has been hailed as a tax bonanza for the MiddleClass, with the Finance Minister announcing concessions worth Rs 1 lakh crore. Her…
January 202512
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Record corporate profits, stagnant wages
As per the recent Economic Survey, corporate profitability in FY24 soared to a 15-year high. But here's the catch — employee wages have failed to keep pace. Why the Disparity? - Lower…
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Lara: the power plant you haven't heard of
What Comes to Mind When You Hear "Lara"? For most, it might be Brian Lara, the legendary cricketer, or Lara Dutta, the glamorous actress. But NTPC has added a new association to the name…
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The market fell, and suddenly index funds are bad?
With the recent market downturn, a chorus has risen against Index MutualFunds. Wealth managers loudly advocate for a switch to active funds, citing the apparent underperformance of index…
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What the coming budget might mean for taxpayers
With less than a week left for the next financialbudget (1st Feb), here are some potential changes and trends that might shape the upcoming financial year for taxpayers: - No More…
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Buying insurance is a nightmare? It doesn't have to be
Recently, I caught up with a friend who was frustrated about how cumbersome and expensive buying insurance can be. Her: Buying insurance is such a nightmare—it’s complicated and costly! Me:…
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Why life insurers oppose removing GST on term plans
LifeInsurers Opposing GST Removal on TermPolicies! At first glance, it seems puzzling: Why would life insurance companies oppose removing GST on term policies? After all, reducing GST would…
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He invested ₹5 crore at Nifty 26,000. Then the market fell
A few months ago, when Nifty reached a new peak of 26K, a prominent fund advisor cum finfluencer boasted about investing ₹5 crores, proclaiming that market peaks were inconsequential due to…
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Will cash be king again?
Would Cash Be King Again? Recently, several incidents suggest that cash usage might see a resurgence in the IndianEconomy. Let's explore a few scenarios: - Tax Notices to Small Vendors:…
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70 or 90-hour weeks here, four-day weeks elsewhere
While we’re busy debating whether a 70-hour or 90-hour work week is better for our 'Nation', the rest of the world is moving toward a 4-day work week! I recently spoke with a friend in…
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Today's traffic took me back to pre-COVID days
Today’s Bengaluru traffic took me down memory lane, reminiscent of the pre-COVID era. Back then, due to intense traffic jams, there were days when I was forced to make U-turns and head home…
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Is BigBasket losing its edge?
Is bigbasket.com Losing Its Edge in the Online Grocery Game? 🤔 My recent experiences with BigBasket (BB) have left me believe they are! Ever since BB decided to go all-in on QuickCommerce…
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NPCI delays the 30% UPI cap, again
💡 National Payments Corporation Of India (NPCI) Extends the 30% UPI Volume Cap Deadline—Again! In a respite to industry leaders PhonePe and GPay, NPCI has decided to delay the 30% UPI…
December 202410
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End 2024 at Rambo Circus
End 2024 with Nostalgia and Joy at RamboCircus in Bengaluru! If you're in Bengaluru and looking for a unique, heartwarming way to wrap up 2024, I highly recommend visiting the Rambo Circus.…
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Analysts' target prices and predicting the future
Analysts roll out their meticulously crafted target prices for stocks and indices every year, leveraging advanced StatisticalModels (trend analysis) to predict the future. These targets…
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From selfies to AI images: LinkedIn trends
Not too long ago, LinkedIn was flooded with selfies - some so irrelevant they made the platform feel like Instagram! Now, the trend has shifted to AI-generated images! From Finance…
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My 2024 credit card portfolio review
2024 Wrap-Up: Reviewing My CreditCard Portfolio! As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time for my annual review of one of my favorite financial tools—my Credit Card Portfolio. Whether you’re a…
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Is GST helping, or complicating things?
Is GST Helping or Just Complicating Things? Popcorn, Parotas, and Priorities! GST was introduced with the promise of simplifying tax compliance and streamlining India’s economy. Yet, over…
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Will small finance banks make credit on UPI work?
Will SmallFinanceBanks (SFBs) Ignite the Credit Line on UPI Revolution? When Credit Line on UPI was officially launched in September 2023, it was considered a game changer. UPI remains the…
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RBI cuts CRR: what it means for FDs and loans
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 4%, injecting over ₹1 lakh crore into the banking system. This increased liquidity means banks will likely…
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A finfluencer's ₹3 crore FIRE plan doesn't add up
Recently, a self-proclaimed founder of a wealth management company, who seems more of a Finfluencer posted about how a couple could achieve FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) with…
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I said no car loan, then bought my car on a credit card
Recently, a friend asked me, “You advised me not to buy a Car on Loan, but you bought yours using a CreditCard! Isn’t that just another form of a loan?” A valid point, right? But here’s how…
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Need a personal loan? Consider a gold loan first
Whenever someone reaches out to me for advice on PersonalLoans, my first question is always, Can you avoid taking the loan altogether? If the answer is no, my next suggestion is simple:…
November 202411
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Why customer service is bad: it's profitable
Why Is CustomerService So Bad? Because It’s Profitable! If you’ve ever dealt with a HealthInsurance claim, you would agree with the statement. The process starts with an unresponsive…
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KL Rahul, LSG and toxic bosses
KL Rahul decided to part ways with LSG after a very public outburst by the owner. We all witnessed that during the last season. Now, the spotlight shifts to Rishabh Pant. He shined…
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What I'd build for a fintech: expense management
A few years ago, during an interview with a prominent fintech company, I was asked, "What would you improve in our app?" My answer was straightforward: "With the immense data you have, why…
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LinkedIn needs a filter for copy-paste posts
A few days back, my feed on LinkedIn was flooded with posts on NRN and now Zomato! Most posts are a copy-paste job! Linkedin needs to come up with a feature to save users from such crap!
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Did our parents really have it easier?
Recently, I met a friend who sighed, “There’s just too much stress in our lives. Our parents had it much easier!” I smiled and responded, “I don’t think so. If anything, they had more…
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Too much pollution? Count the trees in your complex
“Bro, there’s too much Pollution!” “How many trees are there in your apartment complex?” “Hmm, about 10-15”
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A scheme that was too good to be true
Recently, a friend sought my advice on a new investment scheme that promised sky-high returns. After hearing the details, the scheme seemed too good to be true, so I advised him against it.…
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2.2 lakh Indians now earn over ₹1 crore
According to the latest stats from the Income Tax department, over 220,000 people in India now report a taxable income above ₹1 crore—and what's even more surprising? Almost half of them…
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Why are we silent about polluted water bodies?
Why Are We Silent About the Pollution in Our WaterBodies? 🌊🛑 When I saw this pic, I wondered why there was no outroar. It seems like we’ve almost accepted it as a lost cause, it's an…
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Would you pay a small fee for UPI?
Would you pay a Small Fee for UPI Transactions if it meant more Innovation and Better Service? 🤔 Imagine this: a small ₹3 increase in platform fees on popular food delivery apps can drive…
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Paying extra to look cool: the iPhone price trap
Are We Paying Extra to Look Cool? The Hidden Cost of iPhones 📱💸 Buying an iPhone? Be prepared to pay more each time you shop! It’s a phenomenon we see everywhere, in the past users have…
October 20248
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It's Diwali, and EPF interest still hasn't arrived
It’s Diwali, and yet millions of EPFO subscribers are still Waiting for last year’s EPF (Employees Provident Fund) interest credit! 🎆 Every year around this time, EPFO subscribers look…
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Myntra's “loop” trap for returns
Myntra continues to fool the customers by Delivering products without the 'Loop', which they claim is a must for a successful return! But if one doesn't have the loop when the product was…
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Zepto delivers in 10 minutes. Can its staff reach the office?
Zepto's success in delivering orders within 10 minutes is impressive—but can their employees reach their new headquarters in 10 minutes? If media reports are to be believed, Zepto's new HQ…
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How a courier failed a small business from Agra
Small eCom businesses rely on big courier partners to help them expand their reach. Similar is the case with Fabricafurnishings, a home furnishings brand based out of tier 2 city of Agra,…
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Co-branded credit cards: HDFC leads the charge
The Evolution of Co-Branded CreditCards: HDFC Leading the Charge! 💳💡 There was a time when co-branded CCs were boring—most were linked to airlines, but in an era when few flew regularly,…
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A small traffic police change adds 30 minutes to the commute
A Small Change by Traffic Police Adds 30 Minutes to the Daily Commute time!🚦 Bengaluru commuters, especially those heading to the IT hub of Whitefield, know this struggle all too well.…
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Will GST on health insurance finally go?
Will the GST Council Finally Deliver a Diwali Gift for Health Insurance Policyholders? 🎇💼 After much debate, the Group of Ministers (GoM) has proposed exempting GST on premiums for health…
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Who's next in the UPI race?
Who’s Next in the UPI Race? 🚀💰 We all know the top three players dominating the UPI space, but have you ever wondered about the challengers chasing them? The DigitalPayments ecosystem is…